K-9 Search and Rescue dogs put on demonstration at Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell

When an act of random kindness meets with unconditional love, it can create a cycle of good will and harmony. So, it seemed fitting that Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic School in Slidell and the K-9 Search and Rescue Team of Austin, Texas, were destined to find each other.

“What we are trying to instill in children is that acts of random kindness will make you feel good and can come back to you,” said fifth-grade teacher Cheryl Pearse. “It grows exponentially because the kids grow very much.”

The school’s ARK (an acronym for Acts of Random Kindness) program — — formed the basis for a lasting and valuable life lesson of doing good deeds. Pearse’s fifth-grade class decided to adopt the organization because it embodied the theme.

K-9 Search and Rescue consists of Matthew McDermott and Brendon Wilson, who started the organization and travel throughout the area to promote and educate on the benefits of the program. McDermott got involved in search and rescue shortly after 9/11. The time, effort and expenses rest squarely upon their shoulders, as both have daytime jobs.

Scott Threlkeld / The Times-PicayuneMcDermott tosses a ball to Ruby, a 2-year-old golden retriever. Ruby, along with Oso, a 9-month-old Australian shepherd, are new recruits undergoing training, and also were present as part of the socialization and training.

Pearse’s class became familiar with McDermott, Wilson and their furry friends via Skype sessions that enabled students to ask questions and interact. The two groups bonded almost instantly, and the class set up ARK jars throughout the school where students donated all their spare change. The end result was a $400 check and a goodie basket filled with treats and premium health care products as they met in person at the school Jan. 14.

Students were treated to a demonstration of how the dogs perform the tasks of search and rescue as well as the opportunity to shake hands and give hugs. As part of the demonstration, there were four small boxes, placed approximately 6 feet apart. Inside one of the boxes was a rope, ball, a glove, and a set of car keys. When McDermott and Willa passed the one containing the items, she laid down next to the box, which happened to be the third one in the row. The dog associates a smell with a reward, and that is what triggers her “passive” response, or alert, when the item is found.

“This is a real treat for us to be able to meet these kids in person,” McDermott said. “What we all do is a prime example of how one good deed feeds another.”McDermott and Wilson’s services were called upon in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as they worked in tandem with agencies from Texas, Louisiana, and as far away as Maryland.

Willa, an 11-year-old Australian shepherd, was present and part of the search and rescue effort, and the star of the demonstration. Her cohorts, Ruby, a 2-year-old golden retriever, and Oso, a 9-month-old Australian shepherd, are new recruits undergoing training, and also were present as part of the socialization and training.

“We were one of many search and rescue teams that came here to help with efforts in St. Tammany Parish,” McDermott said. “We mainly searched the houses to make sure that everyone was present and accounted for, working with local, state and federal authorities.”

Depending on the state of the homes, people would go in to make sure the building was structurally sound enough for the dogs to enter. As long as the risk was low, the team was allowed to enter. When someone was found, the dogs had a passive alert, either a bump against its handler, or they would lie flat if a person was deceased. If there were pets present, Animal Control was called to assist. Many people left food and water for their pets thinking they’d only be gone for about three days.